Ergonomic factors in metal recycling sector: A challenge for ergonomic intervention Theoni Koukoulaki (presentation: Antonis Targoutzidis)

Recycling sector in Greece Methods for assessment of ergonomic factors (QEC, RULA, KIM) Painful work posts Results of assessment in a sample of duties General ergonomic principles Proposed interventions Structure

Repetitive work Painful body postures (extreme or static) Use of force Standing Manual weight handling Psychosocial factors Ergonomic factors in recycling

18 systems for alternative handling, involving: Packaging (4) Vehicles (1) Electrical and electronic equipment (equipment, lamps) Lubricants (1) Used batteries (4) Used car tires (1) Construction and demolition waste (4) Recycling sector in Greece

27 units for packaging waste 105 units for vehicles’ lifecycle end 9 units for electrical and electronic equipment 7 units for lubricant oil regeneration 7 units for lead acid batteries 6 units for mechanical processing, 1 for power exploitation, 1 for cutting Recycling sector in Greece

QEC (Quick Exposure Check), Geoffrey D., Woods V., Li. G., Buckle, P., The development of the Quick Exposure Check (QEC) for assessing exposure to risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders, Appl Ergon., 2007 QEC assesses the exposure of upper limbs, neck and back in static and dynamic duties. It is one of the most recent methods for assessment of MSDs. Exposure levels are assessed for various work postures, repetitive movements, use of force and duration for various parts of body. It also takes interactions into account. Methods for assessment of ergonomic factors

QEC (Quick Exposure Check) Duration of the task J1 Less than 2 hours J2 2-4 hours J3 over 4 hours Shoulder/Arm C Position of hands: C1 Waist height C2 Chest height C3 over shoulders D Shoulder arm movement D1 Rare D2 Frequent D3 Very frequent Weight H1 light (5 kg or less) H2 moderate (6 -10 Kg) H3 heavy ( Kg) H4 very heavy (> 20 Kg) Risk level ScoreLowMediumHighVery high S1: Back (static) S2: Back (dynamic) S3: Shoulder/arm S4: Wrist/hand S5: Neck

(Atamney et al, 1993), It is a method for assessment of effects of repetitive movements on body, upper limbs and neck. Body postures are written down and scored through a check list. Force required by muscles is estimated and scored. A global index risk combines all above scores and action levels are defined. A global index risk combines all above scores and action levels are defined. RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment)

RULARULA Action levelScoreAction 11-2Work postures are accepted 23-4Further research and potentially changes 35-6Further research and changes soon 47+Further research and changes immediately

RULARULA Upper handLower hand Wrist Neck

RULARULA Body Legs

Steinberg, U.; Caffier, G.; Liebers, F.: Assessment of Manual Material Handling based on Key Indicators – German Guidelines. In: Handbook of Standards in Ergonomics and Human Factors. Ed. by W. Karwowski. Lawrenz Erlbaum Associates. Mahwah, New Jersey, London S Assessment Lifting and carrying tasks Pushing and pulling tasks Parameters: Frequency, duration Weight Body postures Working conditions KIM (Key Item) method, BauA

MalesFemalesScore <10kg< kg5-10kg kg10-15kg kg15-25kg7 >40kg>25kg25 Working conditionsScore Good ergonomic conditions0 Reduced workspace1 Very short workspace and/or instable center of gravity of weight 2 LiftingHoldingCarryingScore No per dayDuration per day Distance per day <10<5min<300m min300m-1km min-1h1-4km h4-8km h8-16km8 >1000>4h>16km10 Body posture – weight positionScore Straight upper body, weight close to body1 Light body bending or twisting, weight relatively close to body 2 Deep bending or light bending with twisting, weight far from body or over shoulders 4 Bending and twisting, weight far from body, unstable body, or sitting on knees X

Risk spectrum Risk score Description 1<10Low strain – low disorder probability Increased strain – possible disorders to less adaptable workers. Redesign is useful High strain - possible disorders to adaptable workers. Redesign is suggested 4>50Very high strain – high disorder probability. Redesign is necessary KIM (Key Item) method, BauA

1. Unloading: KIM method LiftingPushing Pulling Risk spectrumRisk scoreDescription 1<10Low strain – low disorder probability Increased strain – possible disorders to less adaptable workers. Redesign is useful High strain - possible disorders to adaptable workers. Redesign is suggested 4>50Very high strain – high disorder probability. Redesign is necessary

2.Electronics: QEC - RULA 2. Electronics: QEC - RULA QEC ScoreLowMediumHighVery high S1: Back (static) S2: Back (dynamic) S3: Shoulder/arm S4: Wrist/hand S5: Neck Prolonged standingRepetitive workPulling pallet jacks 42 Action levelScoreAction 11-2Work postures are accepted 23-4Further research and potentially changes 35-6Further research and changes soon 47+Further research and changes immediately 7

3. Press (screens):KIM method 3. Press (screens): KIM method Hands over shoulders Pulling large bags Risk spectrumRisk score Description 1<10Low strain – low disorder probability Increased strain – possible disorders to less adaptable workers. Redesign is useful High strain - possible disorders to adaptable workers. Redesign is suggested 4>50Very high strain – high disorder probability. Redesign is necessary 50 8

4. White devices: KIM method 4. White devices: KIM method Manual weight handling Prolonged standing and repetitive work Risk spectrumRisk score Description 1<10Low strain – low disorder probability Increased strain – possible disorders to less adaptable workers. Redesign is useful High strain - possible disorders to adaptable workers. Redesign is suggested 4>50Very high strain – high disorder probability. Redesign is necessary 112

5. Manual copper sort: QEC-RULA Hands over shoulders Twisting Bending Work on knees QEC ScoreLowMediumHighVery high S1: Back (static) S2: Back (dynamic) S3: Shoulder/arm S4: Wrist/hand S5: Neck Action levelScoreAction 11-2Work postures are accepted 23-4Further research and potentially changes 35-6Further research and changes soon 47+Further research and changes immediately 52 7

The worker must have access to working surface without twisting or stretching without particular reason. Avoid strainful work postures by redesigning work posts or reduction in exposure. Avoid working on floor. Use working tables. Suspend equipment from ceiling to reduce strain. General ergonomic principles

Avoid prolonged standing where possible. If a task does not require high force and can be performed in confined space the worker can be sitting. Sit/stand for works requiring sitting and standing. Resting and breaks General ergonomic principles

Investigation for pre-cutting of materials (reduction in initial volume and weight of scrap) Handling less volume – better material storage before processing Changes in productivity assessment (e.g. by table, collaboration) Assessment based on material’s handling difficulty (e.g. materials with cables) and not only based on weight Resting and breaks Use of grapnels for “hair opening” in copper Changes in the shape of table and placement of bins to avoid upper limb stretching and body twisting Proposed interventions preparation assessment technical

Use of mechanical lifts and conveyors for lifting white devices and other heavy weights to reduce manual handling. Automatisation Training in correct manual lifting and breaks Better arrangement of materials around the press to reduce carrying large bags Conveyors must have he correct height and width to avoid bending and stretching Improvement of tables in electronics and placement of waste bins on conveyors Proposed interventions